Tombak spearhead

[Rick]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Admitted, it is often very difficult to get a clear impression of details from a photograph, but from what I believe I can see in the photo, I do think this metuk is mechanically fitted, not integral.

Thanks Alan.
Let's posit then that this is a mechanically fitted metuk; what would be the reason for its not being an integral part of the tombak; is it solely for some mechanical advantage; or possibly for some esoteric reason like a stopper in a bottle meant to contain an isi or spirit that may have inhabited the weapon?
It certainly requires considerably more work to make and fit a metuk rather than to just thicken the base and shape the metuk integrally on the blade.

[A. G. Maisey]

I do not know why Rick, but a tombak that has an integral metuk is usually considered to be a lower quality tombak.

I'm only guessing here, but it might have been because of some limitations in method of manufacture. The old-time smiths of Jawa did not have access to similar tools back in the 14th, 15th century, as what they had later, after European contact.

It just might have been easier for them to fit that metuk rather than to carve it from a large solid. This mechanically fitted metuk then became what was expected, maybe it was recognised as a sign of quality, so even after they could forge more finely, they continued to fit the metuk rather than forge it integrally.

[Pieje]

Here is the wooden pole, for those interested (120cm).
I had a closer look and metuk seems indeed mechanically fitted.